Modernist Architecture History

Modern architecture looks quite different than early architecture. Whereas many older architectural styles were focused on being as elaborate as possible, modern architecture is about simplicity and widespread functionality.

True modern architecture, most scholars agree, gets it start around the beginning of the 20th century. The world at this time was changing and growing rapidly, and thus, architectural styles had to do the same.

Modernist architecture first became popular in North America but would eventually become favored among many important architects around the world, retaining its place of importance into the present day.

Early architects who embraced modernism include Le Corbusier, Frank Lloyd Wright, and Gerrit.

While modernist architecture can sometimes be difficult to classify exactly, certain features are commonly seen. These include:

Purpose considered in design

Simplistic forms

Lack of original decoration

Explicit structure

Industrial materials

Nationalism’s Influence on Architecture

Soon after World War I, a combination of modernist and traditionalist concepts were used to create architecture. However, among countries, nationalism began to play a factor, and, in its own way, would influence modernist architecture as it is now known.

Russia, for example, showed its pride by creating Stalinist architecture. Italy created its own fascist architecture, and Germany created Nazi architecture. A desire to show pride in one’s country and time has since been an important factor in the creation of all architectural designs, though many would argue that that desire and its architectural manifestations is only subconsciously realized.

Functional Architecture

While exploring the feelings, subconscious or not, that go into architectural design is fascinating, many of the architectural styles leading up to the modernist style were merely functional in nature.

For example, the interwar period saw a lot of functional architecture, such as affordable housing for large masses of people. European cities such as Berlin and Rotterdam made particularly notable advancements in this area.

In some ways, it was almost as if architecture, particularly architecture found in Berlin, could predict the future. Berlin created affordable housing estates shortly before National Socialism took hold.

Ever-Changing Architecture

Modernist architecture, from its humble beginnings to its present incarnation, has always been ever-changing. In fact, that is, ironically, the only thing that hasn’t changed about it. This ability of modern architecture to change and grow along with its surroundings and to be influenced by the society in which it exists is perhaps what has made it last and evolve until the present day.